The Congress on Wednesday claimed a 'historic step' in attempts to unite the opposition and challenge prime minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in state polls this year and the 2024 general election. 

The declaration came after Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi met Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar and his deputy, the Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, in Delhi.

"This is a historic step to unite the opposition. We will develop the vision of the opposition parties and move forward… we will stand together for the country," Rahul Gandhi - whose controversial disqualification from the Lok Sabha last month has spurred opposition unity - told reporters.

"As Khargeji said… as Nitishji said…. this is a very important step. You ask 'how many opposition parties are needed (to defeat the BJP)'? This is a process… as many as want to join us, we will all proceed together. We are in an ideological battle for the country… there is an attack on institutions… on the nation itself… and this we (the opposition) will unite and fight," Rahul Gandhi added.